Over 10,000 Displaced as Demolitions Hit Makoko and Oworonshoki — Report

An advocacy group, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), says demolitions by the Lagos State Government in Makoko and Oworonshoki have displaced more than 10,000 residents.

The group said the exercise affected over 3,000 dwellings across the two communities. The demolitions involve parts of the floating Makoko settlement and sections of Oworonshoki. The state government says the action is for the collective good of Lagos, citing safety and urban renewal.

CAPPA’s claim: Homes destroyed, people left stranded

CAPPA said the demolitions started in December and are still ongoing. The group claimed thousands of homes have been pulled down and many residents were left without alternative accommodation.

It alleged that some displaced people are now taking temporary shelter in boats, churches, school buildings, or open spaces.

Dispute over the demolition boundary in Makoko

CAPPA said the Makoko exercise initially targeted structures within 50 meters of power lines, but the government later expanded the boundary to 100 meters. The group said this exceeded what it described as legal standards of 30 to 50 meters.

CAPPA added that the expansion hit low-income residents hardest, especially those who rely on the waterfront for fishing and small trading.

Compensation: N300,000 to N5 million — report

A human rights group, Take It Back Movement, alleged that compensation for verified homeowners ranged from N300,000 to N5 million. The report said some residents rejected the amounts as too small compared to the value of their properties.

Lagos government’s position

The Lagos State Government said the demolitions are part of an urban regeneration programme to improve infrastructure and public safety. It said compensation is being paid to verified homeowners.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said evacuation notices had been served in Makoko for over two years, especially for buildings located 150 to 250 meters from high-tension wires. 

He said the exercise is in the public interest and that affected residents will get palliatives and relocation stipends.

LASBCA said the Oworonshoki demolitions, carried out at the end of 2025, followed due process. It said affected structures were served notices and residents were given time under an amnesty programme. 

The agency claimed many residents ignored the warnings, and said the demolished buildings were distressed, blocked drainage channels, and posed safety risks.

What to know about Makoko’s living conditions

Makoko is a waterfront settlement where many homes are one- or two-room wooden structures, with many built over the lagoon. Basic amenities are limited, and residents often pay to use shared bathing or toilet facilities.

A single room in Makoko costs about N5,000 per month, while two rooms cost about N15,000 monthly. 

It added that new residents are often asked to pay three years’ rent upfront, plus extra charges of N100,000 to N150,000 for damages, agreements, and agent fees.

The law and power-line setbacks

Lagos has previously removed dwellings under power lines on safety grounds, under the State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law. 

The law bans construction beneath overhead electricity wires and sets minimum distances between buildings and power lines:

0.415KV and 11KV lines: 6 meters
33KV lines: 10 meters
132KV lines: 20 meters
330KV lines: 30 meters

The government said evacuation notices were served to residents living within 150 to 250 meters of high-tension wires, which it said is beyond the minimum distances required by law.